Manipur outfit chairman arrested, flown to Delhi

The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) on Saturday confirmed the arrest of its chairman R.K Meghen alias R.K Sana Yaima.

The United National Liberation Front (UNLF) on Saturday confirmed the arrest of its chairman R.K Meghen alias R.K Sana Yaima.

Meghen’s capture by a ‘joint team of Indian and Bangladeshi security personnel’ was reported four days ago. But it was in the realm of speculation until the UNLF’s confirmation.

The UNLF is arguably the most potent militant outfit in Manipur. The arrest of the elusive Meghen is expected to cripple the outfit of some 6,000 fighters.

In an email communique, UNLF vice-chairman Kh. Pambei said Meghen was arrested on September 29 from Lalmatia area under Mohammadpur police station in Dhaka by officials of the Research and Analysis Wing and Bangladeshi intelligence.

“He was returning to where he was putting up in Dhaka in his own vehicle bearing registration number Dhaka Metro G-17-0716 when some security personnel in civvies and in uniform signalled him to stop just 10 minutes away from his place,” said Pambei.

Other members of the UNLF in Dhaka subsequently lodged an FIR at the Mohammadpur police station, added Pambei. “After detention in Bangladesh for 10 days, Meghen was taken to New Delhi in an Indian flight.”

The UNLF demanded Delhi should come clean on Meghen’s arrest and disclose his whereabouts. It termed the arrest as “an act of terrorism”.